Brylee gets her wish as Utah mascots pay a visit

Brylee Olson and her mother Lara a surrounded by team mascots at their Price home.

By C.J. McMANUSSun Advocate reporter

Since being diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in March, Price's Brylee Olson has captured the hearts of many across the Castle Country and the state. Working with Children and the Earth, a small children's wishes foundation out of Sandy, Olson's family has created a "bucket list" for the 3-year-old, hoping to create all the memories and joy they can.

Just how much time they have to work on the list is difficult to know. Doctors discovered tumor progression during a round of tests in late August, which provide for a grim prognosis.

"They told us she probably won't make it to Christmas," said Brylee's mother Lara Olson.

To combat the progression, Brylee will now begin a new chemotherapy protocol which could extend her life through February.

Brylee was brought into the Children and the Earth Foundation by Jodi Frkovich, a friend Lara had met because of her daughter's treatment. The mission of the foundation is simply to provide special opportunities for children.

The "bucket list" put together by Children and the Earth includes helping Brylee to "feed the elephants, go sledding, ride the Polar Express, go to the circus, go to Yellowstone, go to Thanksgiving Point, go to Disney on Ice, put her hand print in the family's driveway, have a prom/princess ball and to have an Alice in Wonderland tea party."

"I know some of these activities could make her sick but because of where we are with her treatment and what the doctors have told us, if we have the chance to make family memories and make her happy, me and my husband think it's worth the risk," said Lara.

Olson received a special surprise to kick off her bucket list run as mascots from around Utah converged on her home in northeast Price just to say hello and wish Brylee luck.

Visiting Price on Monday were Willie the Wolverine from Utah Valley University, Sasquatch from Timpanogos Harley Davidson, Grizzbee from the Utah Grizzlies' Hockey, Felix the Falcon from the Utah Falconz and Kodiac the Bear who is currently looking for a home. The Jazz Bear was unable to make the trip but did send Brylee a bag full of goodies.

Brylee will also have a chance to get out under the lights and dance for a hometown crowd on Oct. 10, as she will be performing with the Carbon High School Cheerleaders during the team's homecoming football game.

"It can be hard to stay positive at times," concluded Brylee's mom Lara. "But I don't want to become one of those jaded angry parents. I want to provide Brylee with everything that I can for as long as I can."